"Oh, I know Dennisons have lots of irons in the fire. But Omofaga won't trouble you. I've told Carlin to wire me if any news comes, and I can be back in a few hours."
Harry had come to suggest that the expedition to Dieppe should be abandoned for a week or two. He got no chance and sat silent.
"It's all done," continued Ruston. "The stores are all on their way. Jackson is waiting for them on the coast. Why, the train will start inland in a couple of months from now. They'll go very slow though. I shall catch them up all right."
Harry brightened a little.
"Belford said it was uncertain when you would start," he said.
"It may be uncertain to Belford, it's not to me," observed Mr. Ruston, lighting his pipe.
The speech sounded unkind; but Mr. Belford's mind dwelt in uncertainty contentedly.
"Then you think of——?"
"My dear Dennison, I don't 'think' at all. To-day's the 12th of August. Happen what may, I sail on the 10th of November. Nothing will keep me after that—nothing."
"Belford started for the Engadine to-day."